Little finger carpometacarpal arthroplasty technique and result in 3 cases

Abstract

Purpose: To present our surgical technique and results for the treatment of posttraumatic arthritis of the little finger carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 3 patients who underwent our surgical technique. All patients had previously sustained intra-articular fractures of the base of the little finger metacarpal and presented with painful posttraumatic arthritis of the fifth metacarpal-hamate joint. Patients were treated with little finger CMC arthroplasty and extensor carpi ulnaris suspensionplasty.

Results: We observed the 3 patients in the office over a mean of 21 months and by telephone for a mean for 51 months postoperatively. They had improvements in wrist motion and grip strength. Finger motion remained stable. Pain and tenderness at the little finger CMC joint were eliminated.

Conclusions: Our technique provided satisfactory pain relief and motion preservation for posttraumatic arthritis of the little finger CMC joint.

Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Keywords: CMC arthritis; Little finger; arthroplasty; suspensionplasty.